The development plan for the property on lots 16 and 17, initially seeking to convert the buildings into 15 units, was revised to 12 units following feedback from previous hearings. The changes included reducing the unit count and altering parking configurations to address residents’ concerns, particularly those from Gate House Drive. The revised layout proposed a mix of three-bedroom and two-bedroom units across the historic mansion, carriage house, and convent annex.

Opposition was strong from the community, with residents like Margarite Cashman and Dylan Ferrer highlighting potential negative impacts on the historic district and increased congestion, respectively. Alexander Silva, the president of the Preservation Society, emphasized the need for adherence to Massachusetts General Law, which requires a certificate of appropriateness from the historical commission for alterations within the district.

Further complicating matters, the board’s role in protecting zoning bylaws was highlighted, with one member clarifying that their responsibility did not extend to managing architectural features. Residents expressed fears that increased density could exacerbate local issues, such as traffic congestion and infrastructure strain, aligning with concerns voiced by Rita Riley about emergency access challenges.

In an attempt to address these apprehensions, the applicant underscored efforts to incorporate feedback from previous meetings, including the addition of green space and improved spacing between buildings. Despite these efforts, community members remained unconvinced, with some citing past experiences of increased density leading to privacy loss and neighborhood character changes.

The board, tasked with balancing zoning regulations and community concerns, engaged in discussions about the implications of the proposal’s parking and lot coverage requirements.

Another topic emerged with a proposal from Salabby Realy 2 LLC to reactivate a former commercial space in an R4 family zone district for a dispensary. The board reviewed zoning laws and past variances, approving the proposal with specified operating hours and maintaining existing signage, as no public opposition was voiced.

Elsewhere, a variance request from Jason and Brenda Roya to expand their home on Meridian Street was approved, allowing a ten-foot wide addition despite setback challenges. This discussion was straightforward, with the board noting the irregular lot shape as justification for the variance.